A state lawmaker has drafted legislation that would require medical marijuana products to undergo independent tests for safety and accurate labeling for the first time in Arizona.
State Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu, said he intends to introduce the bill later this week.
Unlike most states with medical marijuana programs, Arizona does not establish contaminant standards for cannabis or require that cannabis products be tested in any way. A report last month by CBS 5 Investigates found mold on medical marijuana sold in the Valley that would not meet standards set by other states.
Borrelli’s legislation would require dispensaries to disclose all chemicals and pesticides used during cultivation on product labels. Independent labs authorized by the state would confirm the accuracy of those labels through testing. The certified labs would also specifically test for mold.
“This is supposed to be medicine. Let’s treat it like a medicine,” Borrelli said. “The patient has a right to know what's in their medicine.”